The fairy-tale city that was voted the best destination in Europe for 2026

A beautiful city with a unique atmosphere and architecture was voted the best in Europe at this year's Travel + Leisure travel awards.

The renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure published its annual list of the best cities in Europe, according to its readers' awards (World’s Best Awards 2026). More than 200,000 readers took part in this year's survey and voted, among other things, for their favorite cities around the world. At the top of the European list was a jewel of a city that feels like an open-air museum.

Florence: The top destination in Europe for 2026

For many years, the Tuscan capital has impressed T+L readers with its Renaissance treasures, superb hotels, and delicious cuisine. For yet another year, Florence took the top spot on the famous magazine's list of the best cities in Europe, earning a score of 89.48.

Florence is a city that seems to have stepped out of a Renaissance painting. Built on the banks of the Arno River, it uniquely blends history, art, and vibrant daily life, while its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with architectural masterpieces. Great masters such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli left their mark on Florence's streets, making every stroll through the city feel like a journey through art history.

Among the most important sights are the famed Uffizi Gallery, the imposing Duomo cathedral with Brunelleschi's iconic dome, Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio, and the historic bridge Ponte Vecchio. Equally impressive are the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to the original "David", the Boboli Gardens, and Piazzale Michelangelo, from where the city's panoramic view is truly unforgettable.